Lessons in Chemistry

When we don’t feel good, we have a lesson to learn about our own Chemistry. It could be something we are exposed to, or something we are feeling, or it could be something we are consuming that is causing an imbalance.

Our Gut is often the first place we then to feel things…sometimes good like butterflies when your excited about an idea, another human or love for a child/person. Sometimes those gut feelings are not so good.

Those not so good feelings can over time cause health challenges.

• Nausea
• Acid Reflux
• Gas
• Bloating
• Headaches
• IBS
• Autoimmune Challenges like Crohn’s or Colitis
• Ulcers
• Leaky Gut
• Decreased Appetite
• Weight gain or loss
• Hormonal Imbalances
• The Blood Sugar roller coaster ride
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Poor Sleep ….

A Lesson In Chemistry

How does this all start?  There are a number of ways that cause problems, but the number one thing I see in my office is dysregulation of the Vagus Nerve. The Vagus Nerve is part of our Autonomic Nervous system, and it is responsible for calming and ” Resting and Digesting”

It is the tenth cranial nerve, extending from its origin in the brainstem through the neck and the thorax down to the abdomen. The Vagus Nerve carries an extensive range of signals from digestive system and organs to the brain and vice versa.

What are some of reasons this amazing system will malfunction:

• Too much Stress at once: Think Trauma either emotional, physical or both.
• Too much Stress for too long: Again think Emotional, Physical or Nutritional
• A concussion or head injury
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Chronic Pain

Lessons in Chemistry

So what can we do to help reverse the too much all the time and help support the health of the Vagus Nerve.

We have to pay attention to the body signals and apply self-regulation.  In some circles it is called Quiet Listening. It takes courage, awareness and it takes daily practice in a world that is on over drive with more more more.. We also have to ask ourselves the right questions in order to create the right thought and action. For more on the topic Click here for a video from the master of Self-Regulation Deepak Chopra.

For example: Food : Keep it Simple: Is this food nourishing for the body?  Is it made from whole unprocessed nutrients that the body can use? (A Lesson in Chemistry): The body is made mostly of water, proteins, fat and minerals.

Am I in rest and digest mode when I eat?  Do I need to calm down and breath before I eat in order to stimulate Digestion so I can absorb these healthy foods? Am I eating too much at once? Did I wait too long to eat and now I am shakey?

When it comes to working with clients/patients in my office, to address Gut Health Challenges we always suggest as part of our treatment plan that there is some form of Stress reduction with the focus on improving Parasympatheic Tone to improve digestion and absorption.

I work north to south as it is one of the most important principles in managing gut health.

Lessons in Chemistry

Gut function happens in a sequential top-down manner. As we discussed above.  Steps along the way include good brain function, chewing well, producing enough saliva, sufficient stomach acid secretion, the release of bile and digestive enzymes, nutrient absorption through a healthy intestinal wall, gut
microbiome health, and overall motility.

So you can see that bypassing any of these imbalances often leads to a compromised protocol.
Jumping into a leaky gut protocol when you have a gallbladder or stomach acid problem will result in little success. Same with trying to treat your gut problem with probiotics when you’ve got issues further up.

The take home from this week’s post is for you to slow down and start quietly listening and paying attention to body/mind signals.  As questions that are positive in nature and support your desired outcome.  Got too much on your plate literally and figuratively, then it might be time to lighten the load and create balance.

Listen to your Gut:  If it is not working well, what do you need to do differently or where do you need support?

Have a healthy week and if you have given up on your Jan 2024 actions, jump back on the train. It is never too late to get healthy. Need support? Please book online so I can provide you with the tools and information you need.

Dr Pia